Kevin murder case: Court to pronounce verdict on Saturday

Kottayam: In the controversial honour killing case in which a Dalit Christian man named Kevin was killed in 2018, the district principal sessions court will pronounce the verdict on Saturday. Kevin (23) was abducted and killed by his wife Neenu Chacko’s relatives after he married Neenu at a registrar’s office.

The court has found 10 accused including Neenu’s brother Shanu Chacko as guilty in the case. At the same time, the court acquitted 4 accused including Neenu’s father.

It is reported that on Saturday, the court will hear the response of the accused regarding punishment. Verdict will be pronounced after hearing opposition and prosecution lawyers.

Considering the case as honour killing, the district principal sessions court completed the trial in the case within three months. Neenu’s relatives abducted and killed Kevin as they thought that her marriage with a man belonging to lower caste would hurt the honour of their family, said prosecution in the court.

It is for the first time, a Kerala Court is pronouncing a verdict on honour killing. The accused are booked for homicide, abduction, conspiracy and house breaking. The district principal sessions court completed the trial after seeking special permission from the High Court. Though the court planned to pronounce the verdict last week, it asked the prosecution to clarify whether it is a case of honour killing or not. In order to prove this, prosecution pointed out the statements of Kevin’s wife Neenu and second witness Lijo, neighbour of Chacko.

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